That Will Do

by: Guy Templeton

June 26, 2014

During the temple ceremonies, patrons are asked at various points of the ceremony to consent to a covenant, or demonstrate certain actions. Once completed, the dialogue says “That will do.” It always reminds me of a scene in the children’s movie “Babe” where the farmer tells Babe, “That’ll do.”

Maybe I’m getting too hung up on different phrases, but I’ve always wondered why another phrase, such as “Thank you”, or some other acknowledgment might be used. What are your suggestions?

I think that when we are told to study it out in our minds, a lot of people strain at gnats and take issue with things that probably don’t matter. Early church leaders were much more open about temple ceremonies than today. If leaders would actually instruct us in what is important, and what is not, then maybe we wouldn’t get hung up on things that don’t matter in the scheme of things.

Still, it does sounds like, “Well, you didn’t do a very good job, but I’ll let it pass. That’ll do. I sure wish you could do it better.” I agree that it is archaic language, but since they change it every so often, why can’t they fix this archaic language?

I don’t think WHO CARES sounds better than That will do. :)

Here’s some options: That will suffice. Looks good to me. Good job! We appreciate your support. Well done. Nice work. That is sufficient.

Like this comment? 1

IDIAT on June 26, 2014 at 10:09 AM

Maybe it’s to discourage a temple patron from actually thinking more is needed. Maybe we should take the language at face value and know that from the Lord’s perspective, what we have done is sufficient and acceptable.

Like this comment? 3

Rigel Hawthorne on June 26, 2014 at 11:51 AM

“It always reminds me of a scene in the children’s movie”

Putting this post out of my mind as quickly as possible so that does not happen to me.

Like this comment? 1

hoffbegone on June 26, 2014 at 12:16 PM

If I recall correctly, those words are said at the end of each covenant. The covenant is not between the Patron and the Officiator. It is between the Patron and God. Who is saying “That Will Do” is unclear to me at this time and I am sure paying more attention next time may help all of us to understand why those words, instead of others, are said. Lately, I have become aware how important and significant every word used in the Temple is so significant. There is so much hidden from the casual Patron. No different than the messages contained in the scriptures.

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hoffbegone on June 26, 2014 at 12:19 PM

English is not my strong suit:

Lately, I have become aware how important and significant every word used in the Temple is.

Which is still probably not good English.

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handlewithcare on June 26, 2014 at 1:45 PM

Hedgehog, I loved that. It was very helpful.

Like this comment? 2

unendowed on June 26, 2014 at 5:34 PM

People seem to be distressed by this connection and I don’t understand…I haven’t been through the temple, so I guess I could be missing some context, BUT considering the meaning of that phrase in the movie, I don’t see what could possibly be bad about it…? “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do” is the most heartwarming moment in the movie. It says, “look how far we’ve come together; look at how I’ve been called crazy and you’ve been called unnatural; look how you followed your passion despite any stereotypes, and look how I trusted you and gave you the chance not only to grow but to prove yourself. And we triumphed together, and that’s all that matters.” Isn’t that sentiment one of the best things that God could ever say to us? Despite the weirdness of this mortal life and the sometimes impossible conditions it seems we must overcome to get back to God, don’t we all just want to get back to Him and hear a “well done, my good and faithful servant”?

If this is what it feels like to make covenants in the temple, then this is one of the first things I’ve read that actually makes me want to go.

I think Hedge hit it in #1. Sometimes I think the Lord might be saying, “Look, I know you guys aren’t really going to live these covenants, but I see your sincerity as you make them. I do not expect perfection; you aren’t there yet. I want your hearts. I want your best efforts. That will do.”

#11, you keep thinking that, it’ll help you keep perspective. Your comment helped me immensely. That was wise. Next time I attend the temple, I will make a point of saying to myself, “I just might be overthinking this.” :) Thanks!

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Douglas on July 1, 2014 at 12:13 PM

I never cared for the tone of the expression in the filmed version of the endowment but figure that when doing Sacred ordinances that production values of a presentation are the least of things to get one’s knickers in a twist over.